Our Artists: Paul

I’m a late starter to the tattoo industry so it was possibly a mid-life crisis that led me here! Funnily enough, I began my tattoo journey at the age of 46 at Ashton Ink when it was still called PP’s Tattoo. I worked part-time before moving to InkIn in Oldham full time. From there I moved to Cheshire Ink (Wilmslow) and Denton Tattoo before opening my own studio in Openshaw. And here I am back in Ashton. So I’ve managed to come full circle!

As an artist I try to work in many different styles as it keeps things interesting and varied. This includes anything from small names to full sleeves, full colour and black and grey, realism or traditional. I love horror and dark themes (typical tattooist!), especially skulls but I also like animals! I work a lot with cover-ups too, which can be a real test of skill sometimes but I’m always up for a challenge! My tattoo influences include Robert Borbas, Bob Tyrell, Kelly Doty and Adam White. I’m also inspired daily by the people I work with here at Ashton Ink.

I try to be in the studio 6 days a week If I can. If I’m not busy I will put the ‘walk-in sign’ in the window and throw a post on social media. You can also book in with me in advance through Instagram either through Ashton Ink or through my own page @cookie_tattooer. I occasionally post flash ideas, illustrations and I offer discounts on anything I really want to do. You can also pop into the shop to discuss any ideas with me and I can come up with something custom to suit your needs. If anyone is interested I’m certainly open to guest spots and convention work. My books are currently open and I can pretty much guarantee a slot within a couple of weeks of you contacting me. Hope to see you soon!

Producing art is what drives me forward. Be it on skin, on paper or digital, the simple act of just creating is what keeps me inspired. I look to other artists work, including my colleagues here, to try and keep my standards high and stay on this endless learning journey. Having my customers get excited about what I’ve been able to create for them drives me to keep moving  forward. And the customer really is the main focus. Of course, everybody needs to earn a living but I try not to be too focussed on and driven by money as I believe the client deserves to leave the studio with a piece they will truly love and tell their friends about. I also pride myself on my honesty in this business and I enjoy meeting new people. Here at Ashton Ink, I feel we have created a fun, friendly and relaxing vibe for our guests and all our artists – and that can only make for great art!